Ever Wonder Why It Can Be So Difficult To Find A Hairdresser For Your Natural Hair?

Ever Wonder Why It Can Be So Difficult To Find A Hairdresser For Your Natural Hair?

One day I was walking down a popular shopping avenue, and found myself in a strange position. I had just taken down a protective style, and was proudly rocking my fluffy fro, while I ran a few errands.

As I walked past a beauty salon, I was approached by a hair stylist.

“You want a PERM?!” she asked, loudly. I turned to looked at her, but did not respond. I kept walking, my ‘fro waving in the breeze….

For a split second, I found myself asking, ‘Why is it so difficult to find a hairdresser who understands natural hair?’

I noticed her salon chair was empty, perhaps she was low on referrals? I will never know for sure. From her initial statement, I knew she did not share my curly vision, and because of that, she could not be my hairdresser.

In cosmetology, it would seem that the best lessons about natural hair are learned outside the classroom. I find that each time I have had an epic fail at a hair salon, one of these issues played a role.

I sum it up to three main reasons why finding a natural hairdressers can be so difficult; the hairdresser is not experienced with kinky textured hair, the hairdresser wasn’t a referral, or there was a breakdown in communication.

1. Inexperienced Hairdressers – The average cosmetology school does not train hairdressers to deal with naturally curly and kinky hair. With over 1000 hours spent learning about hair in school, very little of that time is spent on curly hair.

There is some instruction on blowing out hair, and relaxing curly, textured hair but by and large cosmetology school teaches just the general theory behind hair, and how to care for it.

After cosmetology, it is up to the individual to apply those lessons to their client. It is only through experience that hairdressers can really learn about what works for different hair types and textures. Only go to experienced hairdressers who have worked with and who understand the needs of naturally curly and kinky hair.

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I’m a Cosmetologist in Arkansas and I service all hair types. Most hair dressers wont service natural clients, simply because its easier to work with straight hair. Please like my page http://www.Facebook.com/designedbyrin

I’d LOVE to go to a salon and be pampered BUT the last time WAS my last time! cost me big time – extreme heat damage. It do my own hair now. Anyone know an awesome natural hair dresser in Detroit because now I wanna go to the salon!!??

must be a new thing, cuz when I was there – the native black people all seemed to have jacked up hair. frfr. i was like- nah, i’ll pass. natural hair wasn’t right. and the weave wasn’t tight. but if they’ve upgraded since then – good on ya. I love it, too, though. Can’t wait to go back and see my friends.

I go for flat ironing maybe once or twice a year, and braids and sew-ins occasionally. I usually care for my curls (moisturizing and deep conditioning) at home. However I would love to go more for natural protective styling.

Hi! I like what u write all.Before i make my hair to the hairdresser, it’s so cheap in my country (senegal) but i cut it because i didnt have time to do. And making short hair is so difficult and expensive, i have to go 4 times in the month to make it at the hair salon.

Do my own hair and organic hair products. Live 70 miles outside Atlanta in rural area. Unheard of to do natural locks here. Would love advice though from someone on how to keep moisture in hair overnight. And would like organic hair color product. Any suggestions anyone?

I do my own hair. I refuse to pay somebody to do my own natural hair. I do alot of reading on effects of certain products. Other than that i use youtube and other sites to learn how to do certain styles.

Natural hair is FREEDOM for me ,from “stylist” who would smile in my face , while I paid them to damage my hair and use bad products. I am so happy that I can finally save time and money, like other races and take care of my own beautiful hair. No more being a slave to the salon!!! Priceless. 🙂

do it myself. hairdresser’s cost too much. it’s not practical for the length or thickness of my hair. and you have to give them a tip after, too – hell naw. i’d go to one for a very special occasion, but barring that – noooope.

I dnt go to the salon anymore b/c when I went my hair stylist wud just cut my hair without my permission. Nd last time I went she cut my hair to my ears nd I have been trying to get it back to my bra. So I do it all at home. They use the same products we do they just gt a better angle of my head.